Often, the case for reparation is a moral one. Considering that the British, Germans, Spanish, Portuguese, Italians, Dutch and French all took precious artefacts from the countries they occupied, returning these items is seen as a necessary gesture of goodwill; an attempt to reconcile with the darkest parts of our history and right historic wrongs.
Two of Easter Island’s Moai statues were by the British in 1868 as a gift for Queen Victoria. One of these artefacts, which is said to be imbued with the spirits of Rapa Nui’s citizens’ ancestors, is on display at the British Museum.
Repeated requests for the return of these sacred objects have been refused. The Moai are said to be the protectors of Easter Island, guarding over its Indigenous population. What is more important: for the statues to be gawked at by tourists or returned to their rightful place where they can fulfil their ancient mission?
With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to a successful repatriation scheme. In 2023, Manchester Museum, which has been returning artefacts to their country of origin for over two decades, handed over 174 cultural heritage items to the Aboriginal Anindilyakwa community, an Indigenous group who live in an archipelago off the coast of northern Australia.
There are clear examples of how the repatriation of historical artefacts can strengthen the ties between nations. In addition to the cultural value of repatriation, there are also financial benefits.
Despite some red tape, evidence shows that with willpower and collaboration, repatriation efforts can become a success for all parties involved.
